19 Oct Autumn pet safety

Autumn pet safety

Autumn has arrived in London. The leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and the evenings are drawing in, but while October can be a wonderful time to get outdoors with our pets, the changing season also brings new risks.

From darker evenings and colder, wetter weather to parasites, seasonal toxins, Halloween treats, and fireworks, pet owners have plenty to be aware of.

The good news is that most autumn hazards are easy to manage once you know what to look out for. Here are some simple ways to keep your pet safe and healthy this October.

Darker evenings: take extra care with cats

By October, the days are getting noticeably shorter. For cats that enjoy exploring outdoors, this can mean more of their usual roaming time takes place in darkness, when reduced visibility can increase the risk of road traffic accidents.

Consider gradually changing your cat’s routine, so they come home earlier. Moving their evening meal forward can be an effective way to encourage them indoors before dusk or busy evening traffic. If your cat is happy to stay in overnight, keeping them indoors once it gets dark can further reduce the risks.

Make sure their microchip details are up to date, too, particularly if they regularly venture outdoors.

Check around cars as temperatures fall

Cats are experts at finding warm, sheltered places. As the weather gets colder, the warmth of a recently parked vehicle can be particularly tempting, and cats may shelter underneath cars, around wheel arches or near the engine.

Before setting off, check underneath and around your vehicle and give the bonnet a firm tap. Making some noise and waiting a moment gives a hidden cat the chance to move away. It’s a useful habit even if you don’t have a cat yourself; the one sheltering around your car could belong to a neighbour.

Watch what they’re eating on autumn walks

Fallen leaves and new smells make autumn walks particularly interesting for dogs, but October also puts several potential hazards right at nose level.

Conkers contain aesculin, which can make dogs unwell if eaten. Whole conkers can also cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Acorns can cause gastrointestinal problems and, if swallowed whole, may also create a blockage.

Wild mushrooms and fungi thrive in damp autumn weather. Some species can be highly toxic, and it can be difficult to tell a dangerous mushroom from a harmless one, so it’s safest to prevent pets from eating any wild fungi.

Other seasonal plants and berries can also be toxic, including autumn crocus and yew.

If you think your pet has eaten something potentially harmful, contact us promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. If possible, take a photograph of what they’ve eaten or bring a sample with you, provided it’s safe to do so.

Keep Halloween treats out of reach

October also means Halloween, and bowls of sweets and treats can be very tempting to curious pets.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats as it contains theobromine, with dark chocolate generally presenting the greatest risk. Keep chocolate somewhere securely out of reach rather than assuming your pet won’t investigate.

Some sugar-free sweets, chewing gums and baked goods can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins can also cause serious kidney problems in dogs and may be hidden in cakes, biscuits and other foods.

And what about pumpkins? Plain pumpkin is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but old or mouldy Halloween pumpkins should be kept away from pets. If you’re displaying a carved pumpkin, battery-operated lights can also be safer around curious cats and wagging tails than an open flame.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t wait for them to become unwell before contacting your vet. If you still have the packaging, keep it so you can tell us exactly what your pet has eaten. Remember, our emergency service is available 24/7, 365 days a year at our Fulham clinic. 

Prepare for fireworks 

Bonfire Night may not be until 5th November, but preparation is key when it comes to frightened pets and fireworks. 

Dogs may pant, pace, tremble, bark, hide or try to escape when frightened. Cats may hide, become reluctant to eat, or show other changes in behaviour. Rabbits and other small pets can be frightened by the noise and vibrations, too.

A few preparations can make a big difference:

• Bring walks forward so dogs can be exercised before dark and avoid walking while fireworks are being set off.
• Bring cats home early and keep them safely indoors overnight, with doors, windows and cat flaps secure.
• Create a safe space where your pet can retreat. Let them choose whether they want to hide or stay close to you.
• Close curtains and windows to reduce flashes and noise, and consider using familiar background sounds such as the TV or radio.
• Make sure microchip details are current, just in case a frightened pet does manage to escape.
• For rabbits and other small pets, provide plenty of bedding and hiding places and consider moving outdoor accommodation somewhere quieter and more sheltered where practical.

If you know your pet struggles badly with fireworks, speak to us well in advance. We can advise on an appropriate plan for your individual pet, some products or home changes which may help, and for severe cases, we can also consider medication. Unlimited consultations are included with all three Wolfe Pack plans, so members can talk to the team about firework anxiety and prepare before celebrations begin.

Parasites don’t disappear with the summer

It’s tempting to think fleas, ticks and worms become less of a concern once temperatures start to fall. Fleas are a year-round problem, however, particularly once the central heating goes on and our homes provide a warm environment in which they can thrive, thanks to their lifecycle.

Ticks may also remain active during mild autumn weather and can be picked up in long grass, woodland,  fallen leaves, and other green spaces. Internal parasites, including worms, need year-round consideration, too.

At Wolfe Vets, parasite prevention is tailored to each individual pet and their lifestyle, so they are not treated unnecessarily, protecting them, your pocket, and the environment.

Give paws some autumn TLC

Wet pavements, muddy parks and falling temperatures can all take their toll on paws.

After walks, dry your dog’s feet thoroughly and check between the toes for stones, thorns, twigs or other debris. Fallen leaves can easily conceal sharp objects too.

As temperatures fall, some dogs can develop dry, sore or cracked paw pads from road grit and salt. Excessive licking, limping or reluctance to walk can all be signs that something is uncomfortable. So wiping or rinsing paws after walking on treated surfaces is a good habit to establish now.

Keep an eye on nails as well, particularly if changing weather means your dog is walking less or spending less time on hard surfaces. Nail trimming is included with all Wolfe Pack plans, so the team can help if they’re becoming a little long.

Watch out for standing water

Many dogs won’t think twice about drinking from a muddy puddle, but it’s better to discourage them from drinking stagnant water. Carry fresh water on longer walks so they’re less tempted.

Blue-green algae can also remain a risk around lakes and ponds during warmer periods of autumn. Exposure can be extremely dangerous, so never allow your dog to swim in or drink from water if you suspect an algae bloom.

Be aware of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI)

Autumn is also the time to be aware of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI), a rare but potentially serious condition that has been associated with dogs walking in woodland, particularly between August and November. The exact cause remains unknown, but affected dogs can become unwell very quickly, often developing vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, sometimes within hours or a few days of a woodland walk. 

Other signs can include abdominal pain, loss of appetite and a high temperature. Although SCI is uncommon, prompt veterinary treatment is important, so if your dog develops these symptoms after spending time in woodland, contact us as soon as possible and mention where and when they were walked. Checking your dog for harvest mites after woodland walks is also sensible, as these tiny orange mites have been investigated for a possible association with SCI, although no definitive cause has been established.

Keep an eye on activity and weight

Colder weather and darker evenings can change our pets’ routines. Dogs may get shorter walks when it’s wet and dark, while an outdoor cat may decide the radiator is suddenly much more appealing than exploring.

If activity levels fall while food and treats stay the same, weight can gradually creep up.

Keep an eye on your pet’s body condition as we head towards winter. Nutrition consultations and weight loss clinics are included with Wolfe Cub, The Wolfe Pack and Wolfe Pack 24/7, so ask the team if you’d like advice about diet, weight or adjusting food to match changing activity levels.

Enjoy autumn safely

October is a fantastic month to enjoy London with your pet, and a little seasonal awareness goes a long way. And if you’re ever unsure whether something warrants a trip to see us, we’d always rather you ask.